Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
  • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
  • H01H13/84—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback
  • H01H13/85—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
  • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
  • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
  • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
  • H01H13/7065—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys characterised by the mechanism between keys and layered keyboards
  • H01H13/7073—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys characterised by the mechanism between keys and layered keyboards characterised by springs, e.g. Euler springs
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/016—Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
  • H01H2215/03—Sound
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H2221/00—Actuators
  • H01H2221/024—Transmission element
  • H01H2221/026—Guiding or lubricating nylon
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H2221/00—Actuators
  • H01H2221/024—Transmission element
  • H01H2221/03—Stoppers for on or off position
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H2221/00—Actuators
  • H01H2221/036—Return force
  • H01H2221/044—Elastic part on actuator or casing
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H2235/00—Springs
  • H01H2235/018—Spring seat

Definitions

• Key module for a keyboard. Keyboard and method for providing one
• the present invention relates to a key module for a keyboard, to a keyboard with at least one such key module and to a method for providing a key tappet of a key module for a keyboard with a wire bracket to provide tactile and / or acoustic feedback.
• key switches can be used for keyboards, such as those used in connection with computers.
• mechanical key modules can be used as key switches.
• mechanical button modules There are different types of mechanical button modules. In the published DE 10 2017 106 406 A1 is a button module with a
• Such key switches or key modules can be actuated tactilely and additionally or alternatively acoustically.
• the present invention provides an improved one
• Key module for a keyboard an improved keyboard and an improved method for providing a key tappet of a key module for a keyboard with a wire bracket for providing a tactile and / or acoustic
• the feedback can be created when actuated.
• the feedback can be provided by a wire bracket.
• the wire bracket can be designed to provide the tactile feedback or tactile and acoustic feedback for the button module.
• the wire bracket can be arranged exclusively or completely in a movable component of the key module, more precisely in a key tappet of the key module.
• the wire bracket can be bent and have, for example, at least one bending point, with a total bending angle of all the bending points of the wire bracket being less than 360 degrees.
• a haptic or tactile click can thus in particular be used as tactile feedback and optionally additionally an acoustic
• Wire bracket can be provided in a reliable manner.
• Wire clips can be produced easily and inexpensively.
• the wire bracket can also be accommodated in the key module to save space. Furthermore, a simple method of manufacturing the key module, in particular also with regard to the production of the key tappet and the insertion of the wire bracket, can thus be made possible.
• the wire bracket can also influence a force-displacement curve when the button module is actuated in a defined manner.
• the wire bracket can provide the tactile and optionally additional acoustic feedback in a cost-effective, space-saving and simple manner, in particular compared to a leg spring or torsion spring, since an otherwise complex housing for a spring body, in particular a winding part, can be simplified, since an otherwise required fixed clamping of a Leg of a leg spring or torsion spring can be omitted, and since the wire bracket can be bent directly and installed in the key tappet or bent into its final shape during installation and the key tappet can thus be provided with the wire bracket in a single operation instead of in a separate one Processed or expensive to be fed into a switch assembly machine.
• a key module for a keyboard having the following features: a key tappet, the key tappet being a coupling section for
• Coupling a key cap for the key module has; a module housing, the module housing being shaped to movably accommodate the key tappet in order to translate the actuating movement of the Enable key tappet between a rest position and an actuation position relative to the module housing; and a wire bracket for providing a tactile and additionally or alternatively acoustic feedback, the wire bracket in the course of the
• the actuating movement can be deflected elastically, the wire bracket being bent with a total bending angle of less than 360 degrees, the wire bracket being fixed to the key tappet.
• the keyboard can be provided, for example, for a computer or the like.
• the keyboard can have at least one key module.
• the key module can be part of a key or represent a key.
• Key module can be provided per key.
• the button module can also be referred to as a mechanical button or mechanical button switch.
• the key tappet can be molded in one piece.
• the elastic means can be designed as a compression spring.
• the elastic means can act as a return spring for the key module.
• the elastic means can cause a linear force-displacement curve during the actuation movement.
• the elastic means can have a linear spring characteristic.
• the elastic means can have a progressive spring characteristic.
• the wire bracket can be bent from a metal wire with a predefined diameter.
• the wire bracket can be designed to provide the tactile and / or acoustic feedback in the course of the actuation movement.
• the total bending angle can correspond to a sum of the bending angles of all the bending points of the wire bracket at which the wire bracket is bent.
• the wire bracket can also be referred to as a bracket, click bracket or generally as an elastic means.
• the wire bracket can be formed from a metal wire or a plastic wire.
• the wire bracket can have a first bending area and a second bending area.
• the wire bracket can be in the first
• Bending area must be bent less than 180 degrees.
• the wire bracket can be bent between 45 and 135 degrees in the second bending area. In one
• Undeflected condition of the wire bracket can be the wire bracket in the second Bend range between 80 and 100 degrees.
• the first bending region can be arranged between an end of the wire bracket fixed to the key tappet and a first straight section of the wire bracket.
• the second bending region can be arranged between the first straight section and a second straight section of the wire bracket.
• the second straight section can be longer than the first straight section.
• the second straight section can be arranged between the second bending region and a free end of the wire bracket.
• the second straight section and the free end of the wire bracket can be elastically deflectable relative to the first straight section in the course of the actuation movement.
• the end fixed on the key tappet, the first bending area, the first straight section and at least a partial section of the second bending area of the wire bracket can be fixed on the key tappet.
• the key tappet can have a fixing section for fixing the wire bracket to the key tappet.
• the fixing section can have two bearing notches for storing the wire bracket. Each of the bearing notches can span an angle of less than 180 degrees.
• the end fixed to the key tappet, the first bending area, the first straight section and at least a partial section of the second bending area of the wire bracket can be arranged in the fixing section.
• the end fixed to the key tappet can be in a first of the
• Be notched bearing notches and the first straight section can be stored in a second of the bearing notches.
• the end of the wire bracket fixed to the key tappet can be tilted in the first bearing notch.
• the wire bracket can be used in the
• Fixing section can be pressed, inserted or used.
• the fixing section can thus act as an insertion compartment for the wire bracket.
• the wire bracket can be fixed in a simple, stable, reliable and non-rotatable manner.
• wire brackets made of wire with different diameters can be safely stored through the notches.
• the wire bracket can be shaped like a barb in a partial section.
• the wire bracket can have a sharp edge at an end of the wire bracket fixed to the key tappet.
• the barb-like section can have the end of the wire bracket fixed to the key tappet, the first bending section and the first straight section of the wire bracket.
• the sharp edge, and thus the barb-like or barb-shaped section and additionally or alternatively the fixed end can be designed to fit into the key tappet, in particular in the
• Fixing section dig in, drill or cut.
• a secure hold of the wire bracket in the key tappet, in particular in the fixing section, can thus be achieved, since the wire bracket can wedge stably. Due to the barb-like shape and additionally or alternatively the sharp end of the wire bracket, a robust and reliable protection against a change in position, in particular against the wire bracket falling out of the key tappet, can be achieved.
• the key tappet can also have an inclined surface inclined to an axis of the actuating movement.
• the module housing can have a rib inclined at an angle to the axis of the actuation movement and a nose and a contact surface which is inclined normally to the axis of the actuation movement.
• the inclined surface, the rib, the contact surface and the nose can be shaped in order to deflect the wire bracket elastically in the course of the actuating movement and to release it suddenly.
• the key tappet can have a projection section with a stop surface that is inclined normally to an axis of the actuation movement.
• the stop surface and the wire bracket can be shaped and arranged in order to bring about an impact of the wire bracket on the stop surface for the acoustic and additionally or alternatively tactile feedback in the course of the actuation movement.
• Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the acoustic Feedback in the form of a click sound can be provided in a simple and reliable manner.
• a property of the acoustic feedback can be set by suitable selection of a diameter of a wire of the wire bracket.
• the key tappet can also have a retaining section for retaining the
• the retention portion may be formed in the shape of a protrusion or a guide protrusion.
• a portion of the wire bracket can be between the retention portion and the wall of the
• a section of the second straight section may be adjacent to the second
• Bending area of the wire bracket between the retaining portion and the wall of the key tappet can be recorded or recorded.
• the retention portion can be shaped and arranged to, in cooperation with the inclined surface and the rib, return the free end of the wire bracket to the
• Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the elastic deflection of the key tappet in the course of
• Actuating movement can be realized exactly repeatable and reliable. In particular, a reliably reproducible click noise can be achieved.
• the module housing can be formed in one piece.
• the module housing can have at least one positioning projection for positioning the key module on a circuit substrate of the keyboard.
• the module housing can have at least one fastening section for the form-fitting and additionally or alternatively non-positively fastening of the key module in the keyboard.
• the positioning projection can be designed in the form of a pin, pin or the like.
• the circuit substrate can be designed as a printed circuit board.
• the fastening section can be formed in the form of a collar and additionally or alternatively a snap hook or the like.
• the key module can be connected to the circuit substrate while avoiding a material connection between the key module and the circuit substrate of the keyboard.
• Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a solderless connection between the key module and the circuit substrate can be realized in a cost-saving manner. Costs can also be saved, as a wider choice of materials with less
• Ambient temperature can be used.
• a solderless connection offers simple replacement of key modules by a specialist or by the end user directly. That opens up an additional individual
• the key tappet can have at least one guide section for guiding a translational actuation movement of the key tappet.
• the at least one guide section of the key tappet can be a jacket section of the
• Guide portion of the key plunger have a guide pin which is shaped to plunge into a bulge of the module housing having the positioning projection during the actuation movement.
• the key tappet In the rest position, the key tappet can be partially accommodated in the module housing.
• the key tappet In the actuation position, the key tappet can be completely or completely contained in the module housing, with the exception of one end section of the coupling section.
• Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a sliding actuation movement of the key tappet relative to the module housing can be made possible with reliable guidance of the key tappet in the module housing.
• the key tappet can also have at least one tappet stop for limiting the actuation movement.
• the module housing can have at least one
• the plunger stop and the housing stop can be shaped in order to Allow snap connection between the key tappet and the module housing to hold the key tappet in the module housing.
• Key tappets can also have an elastic means.
• the elastic means can be designed to bias the key tappet into the rest position when the key module is in an assembled state.
• the key tappet can be formed from a translucent material or an opaque material.
• the module housing can be formed from a translucent material or an opaque material.
• the key module can have a trigger element for triggering a switching signal of the key module in response to the
• the trigger element can be designed as a contactor for the electrical short-circuiting of contact areas of the circuit substrate of the keyboard.
• the trigger element can have at least one contact finger which is elastically deformable in the course of the actuating movement for contacting the contact surfaces while generating friction and an attachment section for attaching the trigger element to the key tappet.
• the contactor can be formed in one piece.
• At least the at least one contact finger can be formed from an electrically conductive material.
• the contactor can be integrally formed as a stamped and bent part made of a metal material.
• the at least one contact finger can have a linear or progressive spring characteristic when deformed. In the rest position, the at least one contact finger can be arranged at a distance from the circuit substrate his. In the actuating position, the at least one contact finger can
• Contactors have two contact fingers, the two contact fingers being slotted again, so that a total of four contact fingers are provided.
• Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a contact security can be increased and thus a switching signal of the key module can be provided reliably and repeatably.
• a combination of a spring force of the elastic element and a spring force of the at least one contact finger during the actuation movement of the key module can also achieve an overall non-linear force-displacement curve.
• the key tappet can have a jacket section which is formed as a polygonal tube.
• an intermediate floor can be formed in an area enclosed by the casing section.
• the coupling section can extend partially out of the jacket section in a first direction.
• a guide pin as a guide section can extend partially out of the jacket section in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
• the coupling section and the guide pin can thus be arranged on sides of the intermediate floor facing away from one another.
• the jacket section can be designed as a square tube with chamfered edges.
• the tappet stop can be formed on the jacket section.
• a proportion of a dimension of the jacket section based on a dimension of the key module along an axis of the actuation movement can be, for example, more than 75 percent, more than 80 percent, more than 85 percent or more than 90 percent.
• the module housing can have a contact surface.
• the trigger element can be arranged in the rest position of the key tappet in abutment against the contact surface.
• the contact surface can at least be designed in such a way that the trigger element and thus the key tappet can be prevented from returning to a position before the first actuation.
• Actuation position can be damped to the rest position.
• a keyboard is also presented, the keyboard having the following features: at least one example of an embodiment of the above
• Circuit substrate is arranged.
• Key module can be used or used.
• the at least one button module can be attached directly to the circuit substrate.
• the circuit substrate can have at least one hole into which the at least one positioning projection of the module housing of the at least one key module is introduced.
• a positive connection between the key module and the circuit substrate can be achieved.
• Such an embodiment offers the advantage that simple and precise positioning of the key module relative to the circuit substrate can be achieved.
• Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a reliable, cost-effective and easily detachable connection can be realized. At least one may or may also be on or in the circuit substrate
• Light-emitting diode for illuminating the at least one key module and additionally or alternatively further electronic components.
• contact surfaces which can be electrically connected to one another can be arranged on or in the circuit substrate when the at least one key module is actuated.
• the at least one light-emitting diode and additionally or alternatively the further electronic components can be applied by means of a surface fastening process or a soldering process.
• the other electronic components can be
• the keyboard can have a fixing element for fixing the at least one key module to the circuit substrate.
• a fixing element for fixing the at least one key module to the circuit substrate.
• Fixing element can be designed as a key frame between the circuit substrate and a keyboard upper part or as a keyboard upper part.
• the fixing element can be designed to be connected to at least one fastening section of the
• Module housing of the button module to enter into a positive and additionally or alternatively non-positive connection offers the advantage that a keyboard can be implemented in a cost-effective manner, durable and robust key modules can be exchanged in a simple manner and enable precise actuation.
• a method for providing a key tappet of a key module for a keyboard with a wire bracket for providing tactile and additionally or alternatively acoustic feedback is also presented, the method being able to be carried out using a production machine, the method comprising the following steps:
• Parts of an embodiment of the above-mentioned key module can be produced by carrying out the method for the inadvertent operation. More specifically, the key tappet and the wire bracket of an embodiment of the above key module can be provided by executing the method. The method can in particular be carried out using a single production machine.
• Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a keyboard according to a
• FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the key module of Fig. 2;
• FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of a key module from FIG. 2 or FIG. 3;
• Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a key module according to a
• FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional illustration of the fixing section from FIG. 5;
• Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a key module according to a
• Embodiment of the present invention in a rest position
• FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of the key module from FIG. 7 in the course of an actuating movement
• FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of the key module from FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 in an actuation position
• 10 shows a flow chart of a method according to a
• Fig. 1 1 is a schematic bottom view of a portion of a
• Fig. 12 is a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a
• FIG. 13 is a partially sectioned view of the section of the keyboard from FIG. 12 with the key module in an actuation position;
• FIG. 14 shows a partially sectioned view of the section of the keyboard from FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 with the key module in a rest position;
• FIG. 15 shows a schematic illustration of a key module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a rest position
• FIG. 16 shows a schematic illustration of the key module from FIG. 15 with the wire bracket deflected.
• FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a keyboard 100 with key modules 110 according to an exemplary embodiment.
• the keyboard 100 is part of a notebook computer, laptop computer or the like, for example.
• the keyboard 100 is in particular also designed as a peripheral device for a computer.
• the keyboard 100 has a circuit substrate 102.
• the circuit substrate 102 is, for example, a printed circuit board, circuit board or the like.
• the keyboard 100 has a plurality of key modules 110.
• the key modules 110 are arranged on the circuit substrate 102.
• the keyboard 100 also has a fixing element 104 for fixing the key modules 110 to the
• the fixing element 104 is designed to establish a positive and additionally or alternatively non-positive connection to the button module.
• the fixing element 104 is embodied as a key frame only by way of example.
• the fixing element 104 can be designed as a keyboard upper part.
• a key cap 106 is attached to each key module 110. Everybody is there
• Key cap 106 coupled to its own key module 110.
• Each unit consisting of key module 110 and key cap 106 represents a key of keyboard 100.
• each key module 110 represents a key of keyboard 100.
• the key cap 106 represents a part of a key that is visible and touchable to a user of the keyboard 100.
• An actuation of a key module 110 takes place by pressing the key cap 106.
• Each key module 110 is designed to react to an actuation force with a force-displacement characteristic of a resistance or a restoring force.
• each key module 110 is designed to establish an electrical connection in response to an actuation with a predefinable actuation path, wherein a switching operation is carried out.
• FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded illustration of a partial section of a keyboard 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• the keyboard 100 corresponds to or is similar to the keyboard from FIG. 1.
• the circuit substrate 102, the fixing element 104 in the form of the key frame and the key module 110 are shown.
• a hole 201 is formed in the circuit substrate 102.
• a positioning protrusion of the key module 110 can be introduced into the hole 201 of the circuit substrate 102 or insertable.
• two electrical contact surfaces 203 or switching pads are arranged on or in the circuit substrate 102
• Actuating movement of the key module 110 can be short-circuited by the key module 110.
• a plurality of electronic components 205 are arranged on or in the circuit substrate 102 according to the exemplary embodiment shown here.
• the electronic components 205 are a light emitting diode and, for example, electrical resistors and / or the like.
• the contact surfaces 203 and the components 205 are arranged adjacent to the hole 201.
• a holding opening 207 for holding the key module 110 is formed in the fixing element 104.
• the button module 110 can be inserted and locked into the holding opening 207.
• the hole 201, the contact surfaces 203 and the components 205 of the circuit substrate 102 lie through the holding opening 207 of the
• Fixing element 104 free.
• a key tappet 220 and a module housing 230 of the key module 110 are shown in the illustration in FIG. 2. With an actuation movement
• Key tappet 220 movable relative to the module housing 230.
• the key tappet 220 is shown in the illustration of FIG. 2 received in the module housing 230. More specifically, the key tappet 220 is shown in a rest position relative to the module housing 230, the key tappet 220 being partially accommodated in the module housing 230 in the rest position.
• the key tappet 220 is shown in the illustration of FIG. 2 received in the module housing 230. More specifically, the key tappet 220 is shown in a rest position relative to the module housing 230, the key tappet 220 being partially accommodated in the module housing 230 in the rest position.
• FIG. 2 shows an exploded drawing of a partial section of a keyboard 100.
• the components 205 can, for. B. at least one light-emitting diode for switch lighting, resistors, diodes or, for example, sensors can be mounted by means of a surface fastening process or conventional soldering method.
• the button module 110 is by means of the hole 201 and a positioning projection formed as a pin Button module 110 positioned on the circuit substrate 102.
• the key module 110 is fixed by means of a snap connection in the holding opening 207 of the fixing element 104.
• an upper part of the keyboard 100 can take over the function of the fixing frame or fixing element 104. Easy assembly and disassembly to replace the
• FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the key module 110 from FIG. 2.
• the key module 110 has the key tappet 220, the module housing 230, an elastic means 340 and a trigger element 350.
• the key tappet 220 is translational between a rest position and one
• the key tappet 220 is formed in one piece in accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
• the key tappet 220 is formed from a translucent material according to one embodiment. In this way, uniform lighting of a keycap can be achieved.
• the key tappet 220 is formed from an opaque material.
• the key tappet 220 has a coupling section 322.
• Coupling section 322 is shaped to fit a keycap for the
• the coupling section 322 extends along a movement axis of the actuation movement. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the coupling section 322 has a cross-shaped cross-sectional profile.
• the key plunger 220 also has at least one plunger stop 324 for limiting the actuation movement. Even if it is in Fig. 3
• the key tappet 220 has two tappet stops 324. Each of the plunger stops 324 is shaped in the form of a step, a shoulder or a shoulder.
• the key tappet 220 also has at least one guide section for guiding the actuating movement.
• the key tappet 220 has a jacket section 326 of the key tappet 220 and a guide pin 328 as guide sections.
• the jacket section 326 is shaped as a polygonal tube. More precisely, according to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the jacket section 326 is shaped as a square tube with chamfered edges as an anti-rotation device.
• the casing section 326 is formed by outer walls of the key tappet 220 which extend along the axis of the actuation movement.
• Guide pin 328 also extends along the axis of FIG.
• the trigger element 350 of the key module 110 is designed to trigger a switching signal of the key module 110 in response to the actuation movement. More specifically, the trigger element 350 is designed to trigger the switching signal by acting on the circuit substrate of the keyboard.
• the trigger element 350 can be attached to the key tappet 220. In particular, the trigger element 350 is in a region of the
• the trigger element 350 is designed as a contactor 350.
• the trigger element 350 has at least one contact finger 354 which is elastically deformable in the course of the actuating movement for contacting or short-circuiting contact surfaces of the circuit substrate with the generation of friction.
• the trigger element 350 has, for example, only two contact fingers 354. Furthermore, this indicates
• Tripping element 350 an attachment portion 352 for attaching the
• Trigger element 350 on the key plunger 220 is Trigger element 350 on the key plunger 220.
• the module housing 230 is formed in one piece.
• the module housing 230 is shaped to movably receive the key plunger 220 to accommodate the
• a body of the module housing 230 is shaped like a trough.
• the module housing 230 is formed from a translucent material. This way, ambient lighting for the keycap can be realized.
• the module housing 230 is formed from an opaque material. In this way, the key module 110 can be illuminated on the key cap
• the module housing 230 has at least one housing stop 332
• the module housing 230 has two
• Housing stops 332 Each of the housing stops 332 is shaped to be arranged in the rest position of the key tappet 220 in abutment against a respective one of the tappet stops 324 of the key tappet 220.
• Housing stops 332 are shaped in the form of a step, a shoulder or a shoulder complementary to a respective one of the tappet stops 324. A interaction of the tappet stops 324 and the housing stops 332 enables the key tappet 220 to be snapped into the module housing 230 and is durable.
• the module housing 230 also has at least one positioning projection 334.
• the positioning protrusion 334 is shaped to position the module housing 230 and thus the assembled key module 110 on the circuit substrate of the keyboard.
• the positioning protrusion 334 is shaped in the form of a pin or pin.
• the positioning protrusion 334 extends along the axis of the actuation movement. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the positioning projection 334 is formed by a bulge in the module housing 230.
• the guide pin 328 of the key tappet 220 is shaped in order to
• the module housing 230 also has according to that shown here
• Embodiment a fastening section 336 for the positive and / or non-positive fastening of the key module 110 in the keyboard.
• Fastening section 336 has latching projections or latching lugs for latching in the fixing element, in particular in the folding opening of the fixing element Keyboard on.
• a molded collar 338 running around the module housing 230 functions as a further fastening section or as a stop with regard to the positive and / or non-positive fastening.
• the elastic means 340 of the key module 110 is designed according to the exemplary embodiment shown here as a compression spring.
• the elastic means 340 is designed to pretension the key tappet 220 into the rest position when the key module 110 is in an assembled state.
• the elastic means 340 can be slipped onto the guide pin 328 of the key tappet 220.
• the elastic means 340 can thus be arranged between the key tappet 220 and the module housing 230.
• the elastic means 340 can also be referred to as a return spring.
• the key tappet 220 is, for example, transparent or translucent to include symbols on the key cap
• the module housing 230 is designed to be translucent, for example, in order to illuminate spaces between keys, or to be translucent in order to leave spaces between them unlit.
• the actuating movement results in a linearly progressive force-displacement curve.
• the elastic means 340 has a linear force-displacement curve. From a switching point of the button module 110 the
• Contactor 350 is increasingly biased and changes the force-displacement curve of the button module 110.
• FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the key module 110 from FIG. 2 or FIG. 3.
• a portion of the key tappet 220 of the key module 110 is the
• Module housing 230 with the positioning projection 334, the fastening section 336 and the collar 338 and the contact fingers 354 of the contactor are shown.
• Two cutouts are formed in a bottom section of the module housing 230 that can be turned towards the circuit substrate. Through one of the cutouts, the contact fingers 354 of the contactor come into contact with the circuit substrate in order to short-circuit the contact areas.
• the button module 110 is on the circuit substrate by means of a light-emitting diode illuminable, in particular from the inside or via an interior of the
• FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a key module 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• the key module 110 may be similar to the key module from one of the figures described above. According to one exemplary embodiment, the key module 110 corresponds to the key module from one of the figures described above.
• the key module 110 is therefore a key module for a keyboard, such as the keyboard from FIG. 1.
• the key module 110 may be another one known in the art
• Be module housing 230 Be module housing 230.
• the key module 110 has a key tappet 220. Even if it is not shown explicitly in FIG. 5, the key tappet 220 has a coupling section for coupling a key cap for the key module 110.
• the key module 110 also has a module housing 230.
• the module housing 230 is shaped to movably receive the key tappet 220 in order to translate actuating movement of the key tappet 220 between one
• the actuation position takes place along an axis A or actuation axis A.
• the key tappet 220 is shown in the rest position relative to the module housing 230.
• the key module 110 also has a wire bracket 560 for providing tactile and / or acoustic feedback for the key module 110 in the course of the actuation movement.
• the wire bracket 560 is in the course of
• the wire bracket 560 is made of one
• the wire bracket 560 is bent with a total bending angle of less than 360 degrees.
• the wire bracket 560 is fixed to the key tappet 220. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, the wire bracket 560 is fixed in a fixing section 521 of the key tappet 520.
• the fixing section 521 is as an insert compartment for the
• Wire bracket 560 shaped.
• the fixing section 521 can also be referred to as a recess or indentation.
• a section of the wire bracket 560 is arranged in the fixing section 521 and a further section of the wire bracket 560 is arranged outside the fixing section 521 and inside the key tappet 220.
• Fixing section 521 is relative to that in the course of the actuating movement
• Part of the wire bracket 560 can be elastically deflected within the fixing section 521.
• the fixing section 521 is discussed in more detail with reference to the following figures.
• the key tappet 220 has an inclined surface 523 inclined to the axis A of the actuating movement and also has the module housing 230 an oblique to the axis A of the
• Inclined surface 523 is part of a web of the key tappet 220.
• the rib 531 projects at least partially into the key tappet 220.
• the nose 535 represents a transition section between the contact surface 533 and an inclined section of the rib 535 which is inclined to the axis A of the actuating movement.
• the inclined surface 523, the rib 531, the contact surface 533 and the nose 535 are shaped and arranged to surround the wire bracket 560 in Course of
• the inclined surface 523, the rib 531, the contact surface 533 and the nose 535 are shaped and arranged to the wire bracket 560 at least for the tactile
• the key tappet 220 has one for the acoustic feedback
• Projection portion 525 with a stop surface 527 inclined normal to the axis A of the actuating movement.
• the stop surface 527 is shaped and arranged to provide a stop for the wire bracket 560 when it is deflected in the course of the actuating movement.
• the wire bracket 560 is
• the stop surface 527 and the wire bracket 560 are shaped and arranged to cause an impact of the wire bracket 560 on the stop surface 527 for the acoustic and / or tactile feedback in the course of the actuation movement.
• the wire bracket 560 can be shortened such that the wire bracket 560 does not strike or collide with the stop surface 527 of the projection section 525. Additionally or alternatively, the protruding portion 525 with the abutment surface 527 may be omitted. According to such an embodiment, only tactile feedback takes place.
• the key module 110 or key element has the
• the fixing section 521 is arranged in the key tappet 220 as a cutout for a wire bracket 560.
• the wire bracket 560 is firmly clamped in the fixing section 521.
• the wire bracket 560 is bent at an angle of at least 90 degrees, but less than 360 degrees.
• a long straight portion of the wire bracket 560 extends across much of a width of the key plunger 220 across or normal to the axis A of the actuation movement.
• Wire bracket 560 lies on the stop surface 527 of the projection section 525 in the key tappet 220. An end of the wire bracket 560 fixed to the key tappet 220 is arranged in the fixing section 521.
• FIG. 6 shows a schematic sectional illustration of the fixing section 521 from FIG. 5.
• the fixing section 521 is normal to the axis of FIG Actuating movement shown in Fig. 5 cut.
• the fixing section 521 has a first bearing notch 671 and a second bearing notch 672.
• Bearing notches 671 and 672 are formed and arranged to support the wire bracket 560. Both the first bearing notch 671 and the second bearing notch 672 span an angle of less than 180 degrees or at most 90 degrees in the fixing section 521. To illustrate the mounting of the wire bracket 560 with different wire diameters in the bearing notches 671 and 672, part of a wire bracket 560 with a first diameter and part of a wire bracket 560 with a second diameter are drawn in each of the bearing notches 671 and 672.
• FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a key module 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a rest position.
• Key module 110 corresponds or is similar to the key module from FIG. 5.
• the fixing section 521, the inclined surface 523 and the projection section 525 of the key tappet, the rib 531 of the module housing and the wire bracket 560 are schematic of the key module 110 shown.
• the key tappet is shown in the rest position relative to the module housing, the wire bracket 560 being in a starting position.
• the wire bracket 560 has an end 761 fixed to the key tappet, a first, along its longitudinal extent from one end to the other end
• Bending area 762 a first straight section 763, a second bending area 764, a second straight section 765 and a free end 766 in the order mentioned.
• the wire bracket 560 is bent less than 180 degrees according to the exemplary embodiment shown here.
• the wire bracket 560 is bent between 80 and 100 degrees, for example 90 degrees.
• the second straight section 765 is longer than the first straight section 763.
• the wire bracket 560 is only schematic in the illustration of FIG.
• the wire bracket 560 in the first bending region 762 is only bent simply and rounded.
• the second straight section 765 and the free end 766 of the wire bracket 560 can be elastically deflected in the course of the actuation movement relative to the first straight section 763, the first bending point 762 and the fixed end 761.
• the end 761 fixed to the key tappet, the first bending area 762, the first straight section 763 and at least a partial section of the second bending area 764 of the wire bracket 560 are fixed to the key tappet and arranged in the fixing section 521.
• the end 761 fixed to the key tappet is mounted in a first of the bearing notches of the fixing section 521 and the first straight section 763 is mounted in a second of the bearing notches of the fixing section 521.
• the end 761 of the wire bracket 560 fixed to the key tappet is canted or wedged in the first bearing notch of the fixing section 521.
• the end 761 fixed to the key tappet, the first bending region 762 and the first straight section 763 of the wire bracket 560 form a barb or barb section of the wire bracket 560.
• this has the following
• the free end 766 of the wire bracket 560 is arranged in abutment against the stop surface of the projection section 525.
• the inclined surface 523 and the rib 531 are arranged at a distance from the second straight section 765 of the wire bracket 560.
• FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of the key module 110 from FIG. 7 in the course of an actuation movement.
• FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of the key module 110 from FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 in an actuation position.
• the representation or arrangement of the key module 110 corresponds to that from FIG. 8 with the exception that the
• Module housing 230 is. A further deflection of the wire bracket 560 along the axis A of the actuation movement is thus initially blocked.
• the key plunger 220 continues along the axis A of the actuation movement in the direction of the
• the second straight portion 765 is deflected with the free end 766 of the wire bracket 560 in the opposite direction along the axis A of the actuating movement and biased. Furthermore, the inclined surface 523 of the key tappet 220 reaches the second straight section 765 of the wire bracket 560 and causes the second straight section 765 of the wire bracket 560 to slide over the nose 535 of the rib 531, with a mechanical tension of the wire bracket 560 suddenly abating. The free end 766 of the second straight section 765 of the wire bracket 560 strikes the stop surface 527 of the projection section 525 of the key tappet 220. A clearly audible click noise can be perceived as acoustic feedback.
• the stroke can also be felt tactilely, since the wire bracket 560 is completely arranged in the key tappet 220.
• the acoustic feedback and the tactile feedback are dependent on the wire thickness or the wire diameter of the wire bracket 560 and can be varied.
• the second straight section 765 of the wire bracket 560 is deflected by the rib 531 and finally moved again over the nose 535. After passing the nose 535, the wire bracket 560 rests on the stop surface 527 of the projection section 525, as in the rest position.
• the key tappet 220 can now be operated again and the procedure described above is repeated.
• FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method 1000 according to a
• the method 1000 can be carried out to provide a key tappet of a key module for a keyboard with a wire bracket to provide tactile and / or acoustic feedback.
• the oversight method 1000 can be performed using a manufacturing machine.
• the method 1000 by mistake can be carried out in particular using a single production machine.
• the key tappet and the wire bracket of the key module can be produced or provided from one of the figures described above or a similar key module.
• a step 1010 of feeding on the one hand the key tappet and on the other hand wire are fed from a coil into the production machine.
• a step 1020 of bending the wire is bent using the manufacturing machine with an overall bending angle of less than 360 degrees to form the wire bracket.
• a step 1030 separating the molded wire bracket using the
• step 1040 of fixing the wire bracket is pressed into the key tappet, for example.
• Fig. 1 1 shows a schematic bottom view of a portion of a
• the triggering element 350 of the key module is shown with only two contact fingers 354 and an abutment surface 1137 of the module housing.
• the key module in FIG. 11 corresponds to the key module from one of the figures described above, with the exception that the module housing has the contact surface 1137.
• the contact surface 1137 is shaped and arranged in such a way that the trigger element 350 is arranged in the rest position of the key tappet of the key module in contact against the contact surface 1137.
• one of the contact fingers 354 in the rest position of the key tappet of the key module is in contact with the
• the trigger element 350 has a contact section 1155 on the relevant contact finger 354. In the rest position there is mechanical contact between the support section 1155 and the contact surface 1137. In other words, in the rest position the support section 1155 is in contact with the contact surface 1137.
• FIG. 12 shows a partially sectioned view of a partial section of a keyboard according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a Key module before assembly or first activation.
• the keyboard is the keyboard from the figures described above.
• the button module corresponds to or is similar to the button module from FIG. 11, wherein of the button module in the illustration of FIG. 12, a side wall of the module housing 230 with a damper section having the contact surface 1137 and an inclined surface 1239, and the release element 350 with the exemplary only two contact fingers 354 and the support section 1 155 are shown and additionally from the keyboard
• FIG. 12 shows a state before assembly or before the key module of the keyboard is actuated for the first time.
• the damper section with the contact surface 1137 and the inclined surface 1239 is arranged between the trigger element 350 and the contact surfaces 203.
• the inclined surface 1239 is designed to allow the first sliding of the
• the contact surface 1137 can be aligned at an acute angle or parallel to the inclined surface 1239.
• the contact surface 1137 is at least designed in such a way that it slides back into the position before assembly or first actuation.
• the triggering element 350 can be deflected for the first time and once along the inclined surface 1239 during assembly or a first actuation of the button module and can be guided past the damper section and thus slide past the damper section. Additionally or alternatively, when the
• the inclined surface 1239 can be deflected.
• the damper section can also have a flexible material.
• FIG. 13 shows a partially sectioned view of the section of the keyboard from FIG. 12 with the key module in an actuating position.
• the representation in FIG. 13 corresponds to the representation from FIG. 12 with the exception that the key module is shown in the actuation position, an electrical contact being established between contact fingers 354 and the contact surfaces 203.
• the contact fingers 354 and the support section 1155 are arranged between the contact surfaces 203 and the damper section formed on the module housing 230 with the contact surface 1137 and the inclined surface 1239.
• the support section 1155 is also spaced apart from the damper section, in particular the contact surface 1137.
• the support section 1155 of the release element 350 has slid past the inclined surface 1239 and the contact surface 1137 for the first time and once.
• FIG. 14 shows a partially sectioned view of the partial section of the keyboard from FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 with the key module in a rest position.
• the representation in FIG. 14 corresponds to the representation from FIG. 13, with the exception that the key module is shown in the rest position, the support section 1155 of the trigger element 350 abutting the contact surface 1137.
• a noise due to vibrations of the trigger element 350, in particular the contact fingers 354, can be prevented in this way.
• the trigger element 350 more precisely that
• Support section 1155 can no longer slide back over the damper section, for example to achieve the state shown in FIG. 12.
• the support section 1155 engages behind the contact surface 1137, for example.
• the key tappet 220 in an assembly method for assembling the key module 110, the key tappet 220 with the one arranged thereon
• Tripping element 350 can be inserted into the module housing 230.
• a relative movement between the key tappet 220 with the trigger element 350 on the one hand and the module housing 230 on the other hand can be effected along the axis A of the actuation movement.
• the trigger element 350 and / or the damper section or the inclined surface 1239 is also deflected, so that the trigger element 350 is first and only on the
• Damper section is steered past and slides past the damper section. The relative movement is carried out when the key tappet 220 including the release element 350 is inserted into the module housing 230 at least until the rest position is reached.
• release element 350 against the Contact surface 1137 is a return of the key tappet 220 or of the trigger element 350 into a position as before assembly, see FIG. 12,
• FIG. 15 shows a schematic illustration of a key module 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a rest position.
• the key module 110 corresponds to the key module from FIG. 5 or FIG. 7, with the exception that the key tappet 220 also has a retaining section 1529 for retaining the wire bracket 560 against movement away from a wall of the key tappet 220 in the course of the actuating movement.
• 15 of the key module 110 are the wall of the
• Projection section 525, wire bracket 560 and retention section 1529 are shown.
• the key module 110 is said in more detail in FIG. 15
• the retention portion 1529 is between the fixing portion 521 and the
• the retention section 1529 is also arranged adjacent to the fixing section 521.
• the retention portion 1529 is formed as a protrusion or guide protrusion.
• a portion of the wire bracket 560 is disposed between the retention portion 1529 and the wall of the key tappet 220.
• a portion of the second straight portion of the wire bracket 560 is adjacent to the second bending area of the wire bracket between the retention portion 1529 and the wall of the
• Key plunger 220 arranged or added.
• the retention section 1529 in particular causes the wire bracket 560 to return exactly to an initial position after the actuation movement. A repeatable click noise can thus also be achieved, since the free end of the wire bracket is reliably returned to the stop surface.
• the retention section 1529 effects a parallel or substantially parallel alignment of the wire bracket 560 relative to the wall of the key tappet 220. In other words, the retention section 1529 inhibits lateral pivoting out of the wire bracket 560.
• a mechanical tension can be built up or increased in the second straight section of the wire bracket 560, whereby an exact pivoting back of the wire bracket 560 into its starting position can be achieved.
• the retention section 1529 holds the wire bracket 560 or the beginning of the second straight section of the wire bracket 560 in position.
• FIG. 16 shows a schematic illustration of the button module 110 from FIG. 15 with the wire bracket 560 deflected.
• the illustration in FIG. 16 corresponds to the illustration from FIG. 15 with the exception that the second or long straight section of the wire bracket 560 is in the course of FIG Actuation movement on an edge of the
• Retention section 1529 is bent. This is a scheduled deflection to return to the rest position. 16 shows the deflection of the wire clip 560.
• the retention section 1529 has the effect that the wire bracket is firmly fixed in the fixing section 521 and is neither bent nor twisted. By guiding the restraining section 1529, the lever arm is shortened and a higher tension is built up, which supports the decline into the rest position. In the course of the actuation movement, the
• Wire bracket 560 deflected twice. A first time when deflecting to generate the click sound from the inclined surface 523 of the key tappet 220. A second time from the rib of the module housing during a return movement to the rest position. In both cases, the retention section 1529 causes the wire bracket 560 to rest on the stop surface of the projection section 525.
• the restraining section 1529 has the function of lateral limitation of the
• the button module 110 has a one-piece or one-piece module housing 230 and a one-piece or one-piece button tappet 220.
• the module housing 230 is the
• the fixing section 521 for the wire bracket 560 is a recess molded.
• the fixing section 521 has a trapezoid-like cross-sectional profile. Due to the mounting of the wire bracket 560 in the bearing notches 671 and 672, different wire brackets 560 with different thicknesses of the wire can be fixed simply and reliably. When stored in the bearing notches 671 and 672, the wire of the wire bracket 560 is automatically centered and aligned in an exact position or position and, in addition, breaking out and twisting of the wire bracket 560 are prevented.
• the wire bracket 560 can also be referred to as an elastic means.
• the wire bracket 560 is exclusively or completely arranged in the movable key tappet 220.
• the function of the wire bracket 560 is to enable a tactile feedback and an acoustic feedback, or optionally only a tactile feedback, wherein the second straight section 765 of the wire bracket 560 can be shortened.
• the fixed end 761 of the wire bracket 560 in the fixing section 521 functions as a safeguard against the wire bracket 560 falling out of the fixing section 521. To this end, the fixed end 761 points away from the first bending region 762 in a direction transverse to the axis A of the actuating movement.
• the fixed end 761 has a sharp edge, so that the wire bracket 560 bores in the direction of the fixing section 521 into the plastic of the key tappet or the fixing section 521 when there is a tensile load and keeps wedging.
• the inclined surface 523 is formed as a web or projection with an inclined surface or sliding surface in the key tappet 220.
• the inclined surface 523 extends as a web from a bottom of the key tappet 220 facing the module housing 230 to a between the bottom in the middle of the key tappet 220, the web tapering towards the bottom of the key tappet 220 to form the inclined surface.
• the inclined surface 523 is designed to deflect the second straight section 764 of the wire bracket 560 transversely to the axis A of the actuation movement and to move past the nose 535 of the module housing 230 in order to generate the acoustic feedback by striking the stop surface 527 of the key tappet 220 .
• the rib 531 tapers from the nose 535 to a bottom of the module housing 230.
• the contact surface 533 of the rib 531 is designed to move the second straight section 764 of the wire bracket 560 along the axis A in the case of an actuation movement of the key tappet 220 toward the actuation position Deflect actuating movement in the direction of the inclined surface 523 or
• the rib 531 is designed to guide the second straight section 764 of the wire bracket 560 when the key tappet 220 is actuated toward the rest position via the nose 535 or to cause a return via the contact surface 533.
• the projection section 525 and the stop surface 527 are designed to generate the acoustic feedback by the second straight section 764 of the wire bracket 560 meeting or colliding with the stop surface 527.
• the stop surface 533 is also designed to act as a support surface for the second straight section 764 of the wire bracket 560 in the rest position.
• an exemplary embodiment comprises a “and / or” link between a first feature and a second feature
• this can be read in such a way that the embodiment according to one embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature and according to a further embodiment either only the first Feature or only the second feature.

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• 2019
  • 2019-08-12 TW TW108128535A patent/TW202013406A/zh unknown
  • 2019-09-10 US US17/272,727 patent/US11328882B2/en active Active
  • 2019-09-10 WO PCT/EP2019/074043 patent/WO2020053179A1/de unknown
  • 2019-09-10 EP EP19768761.9A patent/EP3850650B1/de active Active
  • 2019-09-10 CN CN201980059227.4A patent/CN112673444A/zh active Pending
• 2022
  • 2022-05-09 US US17/739,991 patent/US11710609B2/en active Active

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